Overview
- Pittsburgh ruled the All-Pro out for Sunday in Cleveland despite three consecutive limited practices this week.
- Watt sustained a partially collapsed lung during a Dec. 10 dry-needling treatment and had surgery the next day to repair and stabilize it.
- He focused on conditioning while avoiding explosive movements and most pass-rush drills, and he did not hold his customary Friday media session.
- Head coach Mike Tomlin called Watt’s status a medical matter to be determined with doctors and the player, with reassessment expected after this weekend’s clinching outcomes.
- The Steelers expect help from their depth as Nick Herbig practiced fully Friday with no game designation, and coaches highlighted Jack Sawyer and Jeremiah Moon as ready to contribute.